Bit of a bombshell!!

War, (huh), what is it good for....? Not getting type 2 diabetes with the rest of Generation XL.

Sorry but got to say as another ex Regular, that whilst there is a higher chance of getting hurt, it's also a generally much healthier lifestyle than rusting to death in an office, wearing a suit from George, hoping that you'll get a payrise one day.

Great experiences, hard work and some wonderful friendships are some of the many upsides. I was always hugely proud of the way that some of the young men that worked for me developed and showed emotional maturity, judgement and humility (along with getting shitfaced, stealing stuff and generally causing bother).

At the end of the day, there is a level of personal sacrifice, but I also learnt to ski, freefall, dive and kayak, plus got to blow things up, all of which set me up to manage 1500 people doing the same thing.

If he's going to do it anyway, encourage him to make the most of every opportunity, even if it doesn't quite fit with your expectations. (or get him that application form for the desk job at the Spar)

My father and uncle both served in the Royal Tank Regiment, two of my cousins are with them now. The RTR are always said to be a good, solid no-nonsense outfit...pity that they're down to just the single regiment now due to 2RTR being axed in the defence cuts to save cavalry cap badges.

If you want any RTR specific advice I'm going round to see my parents tomorrow, my dad served for 34 years and retired as a Brigadier having commanded 3RTR earlier in his career so he knows what he's talking about.

my dad was a Hussar 60 years ago.. saw the world..was in one or two scuffles with jonny.. made some friends who he still has today.. lost some friends who he still remembers.. steps out every year on there re union ..

Me owd dad was in tanks in Korea... forgotten war. Horrific time them lads had, but lets face it in modern day, in tank, theres nowhere he will deployed to that would be proper tasty, unless we go into Syria.

Good luck to your son. It will open up his horizons and change his outlook on life for the better. I'm sure he is well aware of the dangers of the job and no doubt this is part of the attraction. I would talk to him about going for a specialist trade REME, Engineers or Signals, better still join the RAF for skills that will be in demand when he leaves. I was Army and know I would have been serving at HM Pleasure if I hadn't joined up when I did. Only thing I regret about the forces was leaving it. If I could do it again I would have spent more time learning the languages and treated the whole world as my home.

cinnamon_girl any chance of a ride in a tank if your son gets posted to Salisbury Plain? It's an amazing place and I sometimes ride my bike there, when the red flags aren't flying obviously!

Made me chuckle! :lol:but bunreep beat me to it.

lifer Every person joining up is responsible for perpetuating our various wars around the globe

ARRRGGGGGHHHHHHH you are truly a b3ll 3nd of biblical proportions! Incredible.

Ton he will be fine, several friends of mine have their sons and daughters in and although its a worry they have all returned home safe and sound despite some scary moments. A couple have just left and walked straight into jobs. Others are still in out in Afgan and other areas but they all without exception absolutely love it.

He will grow up really fast but if its what he wants to do support him.

On a lighter note just be prepared for huge bar bills when he gets home on leave. Some of my mates kids I am sure the only thing its taught them is to drink!

Good on your lad Ton. Hats off to all our forces & anyone who chooses to join up in these times of unrest all over the world.
I'm no warmonger but I can't be arsed with the pacifistic outlook of some (well, one) on here.
What do you really suggest Lifer? Do away with the armed forces? What?

Whilst many will have positive experiences from serving in the forces, there are many who do not, and its only right to highlight this for the sake of objectivity. how many ex forces are in prison, on the streets or in treatment programmes ?

There is still stigma attached to PTSD-- i have two friends who both served in bosnia -- a while ago now --but who are struggling with their mental health.

These issues are not ones the military like to highlight, but nevertheless are much more common than many like to acknowledge.

He can get out any time he likes. It's called PVR (Premature Volentry Release)
See the pay office get them to check how much it will cost him, same as buying out of a contract.
Never is a life sentence.
Social life is amazing.
Basic training is harsh, but it is designed to be. There is sense in the madness, tell him never to volenteer for anything, he'll love it.

I'm ex RAF and don't regret one second of my service. The trade I joined up has given me a career that is easily transferable to civvie street as well. I had a cracking time, both working hard and playing hard. If he hasn't already get your lad to have a look at the other branches of the military if he hasn't already, the other services have plenty to offer as well. Good luck to your son.

firestarter - Member
I hope he's not as big as you Tony tanks are small

I must admit, that was my first thought on reading the OP too

If he's set on it, there's not much you can do, other than steer him into the right course as many have said. At 21, we're not really thinking about very much over and beyond our immediate situation and future.

Good on him for joining, second the tech trade choice though even after 22 yrs he will only be 43 so another 23 years of civvie work ahead after that so best to equip with a skillset for work my opinion RSIGS/REME/RE better options but each to their own.

My work oppo's son has just started in the Rifles basic training with his other son also going in January to join him.....double worry. They were well equipped mentally as to their choice as their father is ex bootie and respected their decision.

1. "lifer Every person joining up is responsible for perpetuating our various wars around the globe"

Your statement implicates that everyone either volunteering or being conscripted into an armed service is partially guilty of the waste and stupidity of war, do you have a similar statement that describes the role politicians play?

cheekyboy - Member
1. "lifer Every person joining up is responsible for perpetuating our various wars around the globe"

Your statement implicates that everyone either volunteering or being conscripted into an armed service is partially guilty of the waste and stupidity of war, do you have a similar statement that describes the role politicians play?

It's pretty obvious isn't it? But here you are:

"Every politician that votes for war is responisible for perpetuating our various wars around the globe"

Good luck to your lad Ton. Being 21 he'll hopefully cope with the oddities and unpleasantness of basic training better than most, but it's meant to be horrid, if occasionally comedic.

I couldn't agree less with Lifer. Having taken the Queen's shilling, but had none of the excitement of many on here, standing Armies actually serve a purpose and in most cases over the last 50 years my assertion is that the objectives have been positive.